Pearson Falls Gate House — Attraction in Columbus

Of the 30 of so waterfalls I've photographed in the past 6 months, Pearson Falls is my favorite! No more than 5 miles from the town of Saluda, the falls is located on private property. The area has been maintained by the local garden club since the 1930's. In that time, they have reintroduced scores of indigenous plants that used to populate the area, and have returned it to pristine condition. There is a $5 per car admission fee at the gatehouse. Well worth the entry fee! It is only a 1/4 mile hike up the trail to the base of the falls. Along the way you pass a number of scenic rapids on the right, and water trickling off the rocks to your left. There are many spots for great photo ops. This is a great place to just sit and spend time contemplating the beauty that is Mother Nature! Near the parking lot there are several picnic tables...a perfect place to picnic. I could spend all day sitting before these falls. In fact, after a couple hours photographing the falls I put my camera away and sat there enjoying the view for a good hour. The falls, the trail and the surrounding vegetation make this a REAL gem of a place to commune...

Worth the trip to see this falls with picnic benches along the way to have a picnic. It is one trail that winds along the creek up to a nice view of the falls. Ware good shows to walk on rocks that can be damp in places and it enough of a clime that you to be comfortable walking in the woods. I went between 10 and 11AM and loved how the light was coming through the trees as well as hitting the falls. A number of good photo opportunities and I added some pictures. It was about a 15 to 20 min walk to the falls and worth the trip.

This place was recommended to me from the town of Columbus NC and was only about a 15min drive from there. It seems to be a privately owned place that is well maintain Adults are $5.00, ages 6-12 are $1.00 and under 6 are Free. NO PETS ALLOWED. Only leashed service dogs. If you use a GPS to get their is stops about a few city blocks before the entrance but the entrance was clear if you are looking.

Would like to come back and get...

Trail is incredibly maintained with beautiful water views throughout! Although, it is a bumpy trail so be sure your hikers are steady in their footing! You hike up the hill right along side the river! There are gorgeous rock bridges on your way to an amazing waterfall with 3 areas of seating at the end. There are also a few benches scattered up the trail to take a rest and enjoy the water rushing in front of you. There is no place to picnic on the trail, and it gets kind of tight with folks going the opposite direction of you. There are picnic tables at the parking area along with bathrooms. Be sure to check NC closures due to COVID19. The Bathrooms, picnic, and water areas were closed as of June 2020. And FYI there is a tiny wooden bridge that you must drive over to get to the entrance, where there is a $5 fee per person, $1 for kids 6-12 and free for...